Introducing Crocus

Tulipa 'Red Rover'

Clarion-clear, ruby-red tulip for April flower and this one will glow in sunshine like a jewel carried on an intricate Turkish carpet from the orient.

Val Bourne
- Garden Writer

Position: full sun

Soil: fertile, well-drained soil

Rate of growth: average

Flowering period: April

Flower colour: red

Other features: excellent cut-flowers

Hardiness: fully hardy

Bulb size: 12+

The colour of this tulip is very intense and is probably one of the 'truest' reds - even while still in bud. It is incredibly versatile as you can plant it with so many different colours. Try it with shades of pink for softer schemes or be bold and mix it with purples for some serious wow factor.

Garden care:

In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

Spring bulbs, such as daffodils and hyacinths, can be planted whenever the
soil conditions allow. As a rough guide, cover them with about twice as
much soil as the bulb is deep: so that a 5cm (2in) deep bulb would need a
15cm (6in) deep hole so that it

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